Piccadilly Loft Apartments, York

Conversion of a former Ford garage in the heart of York into prestige, residential apartments attractive to the target market of 50+, second homeowners and downsizers.

Our brief was to evaluate the existing space and create an interior specification forming part of the tender package, highlighting selling points for a property of this calibre.

We were also asked to investigate the opportunity for design differentials between apartments, clearly justifying our proposal for each apartment specification.

This building with its strong industrial history lends itself, due to its location, to a residential development of apartments each with its own unique character, whilst remaining faithful to its heritage.

There are two clear facets to the building, the Foss facing apartments, which are more industrial in architectural scale and feel, and the more urban domestic proportions of the Piccadilly facing apartments. The common theme is industrial; the differentiator is the level to which the fixtures and fittings soften the feel.

On the Foss side, obvious architectural cues such as cornice, skirting and four-panelled doors were highlighted and painted structural elements were mixed with industrial style light fittings. Wall lights of more residential domestic type were chosen to provide contrast.

Kitchens had highly polished flush doors with contrast worktops, whilst the Industrial feel was emphasized using cool calming colours contrasting with elements of rich Walnut to add warmth. Stainless steel highlights give interest and pick up light from the massive windows over looking the river.

The Piccadilly facing apartments are more subservient in proportion & scale than the Foss facing apartments. With lower ceilings the space is more self-contained lending itself to conventional domestic dwelling.

Oak flooring was used to lighten the feel of the apartments teamed with Oak worktops, with classic simple painted door fronts in the kitchen, whilst the tiles hint at automotive background.

Both Foss and Piccadilly bathrooms and ensuite have crisp clean lines mixed with a unique ceramic floor tile with tonal wall tiles selectively located. Clever use of mirrors increases the perspective of room size.

This development won the Judges Special Award at York Design Awards 2015.